Disaster survivors face tremendous challenges while making financial recovery decisions. Financial recovery is complex and programs vary depending on disaster circumstances. In a study of hurricane Hugo survivors in South Carolina, Rubin & Popkin (1990) found many survivors were low-income and illiterate. Access to videos which provide verbal explanations may have helped survivors better understand financial recovery options.

Use of social media and devices providing internet access has expanded significantly. Ardalan, et. al (2008) found just-in-time videos to be a well-received and utilized resource for disaster survivors, volunteers and professionals following disasters. North Dakota State University Extension Service documented success with a short video on building a sandbag dike, which was viewed 9,292 times via the internet during the active disaster period of the 2011 flood.

University of Minnesota Extension and North Dakota State University Extension Service had joined together with Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, to develop the Recovery After Disaster: The Family Financial Toolkit in 2010. Given the research and the complex challenges families face after experiencing a disaster, they wanted to partner again to bring the disaster toolkit “to life” with easy-to-access videos.

University of Minnesota Extension and North Dakota State University Extension Service received a Smith-Lever Special Needs Grant in 2012 through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Family Financial Recovery Program. These funds were used to create a series of short just-in-time videos to enhance the Recovery After Disaster: The Family Financial Toolkit, helping disaster survivors make the best financial decisions for their unique situation.

The development team included:

Lori Hendrickson, Extension educator in family resource management at University of Minnesota Extension

Sara Croymans, Extension educator in family resource management at University of Minnesota Extension

Lori Scharmer, family economics specialist at North Dakota State University Extension service

Patricia Olson, program leader in family resiliency at University of Minnesota Extension

Scott Swanson, video editor at North Dakota State University Extension service

Bruce Sundeen, video editor at North Dakota State University Extension service

David Haaser, graphic designer at North Dakota State University Extension service

An advisory board of disaster survivors and professionals guided video development to ensure:

Six videos were created to cover the most “high need” areas such as finding help and insurance coverage. After the videos were created, they were tested and finalized. Shorter versions were created for those short on time and for promotional purposes.

All final videos were placed on this website as well as both partners’ YouTube channels: